Evaluation of patients for preprosthetic surgery.

The success of preprosthetic surgery and subsequent complete dentures depends not ony on the technical success of the procedures but also on the patient's satisfaction with the outcome. Studies of patients' satisfaction with their complete dentures confirm the experience of prosthodontists--that the problems described by patients do not always correlate with detectable anatomic deficiencies or technical faults in the prostheses. Since the responsibility for patient care is shared by both the surgeon and the prosthodontist, it is important that both specialists by involved in the screening process and evaluation of patients for preprosthetic surgery, prior to treatment. This article describes the basic criteria for patient evaluation, including signs that might indicate a poor prognosis for preprosthetic surgery. Everyone benefits if a realistic prognosis for the proposed combined treatment can be established before therapy is begun.